Kikikim

My sister and I will be attending a conference near Asheville for 3 days, this is the first time for both of us, to visit North Carolina. We will be flying into and out of Charlotte, then drive to Asheville. We will have only one day to spare, as the rest will be filled by the seminar. I need help in deciding where to spend the day. Thanks for your help and suggetions.

tcapp

If it was me, I'd spend the day in Asheville. I'm not a big fan of Charlotte, and it seems there's a lot more to do in Asheville.

Gretchen

I live in Charlotte and love it but with your schedule I'd just enjoy the mountains and then come back to the airport. Unless you want to do some power shopping. It is easy to get to Asheville from the airport--you are right on I85 to get to Asheville in about an hour and a half.

Cassandra

Asheville, for sure. You can't miss Biltmore (get tix for early in the day ahead of time), but even if that doesn't appeal to you, there is plenty to do downtown, in Biltmore Village, or along the mountain drive (Blue Ridge Parkway). Our hotel recommended driving south from Asheville for a while and then turning around, but you don't want to miss the crafts store that's at the entrance to the Pkway to the north side of Asheville.

hauntedheadnc

Kikikim, what kinds of things would you be interested in seeing in your free time? Asheville has something for nearly everyone, and it's a great small city that's full of art, fun, and beautiful things to see and experience.

If can say a little about what you'd be interested in, I can suggest what you might want to see in Asheville. I'd recommend that you spend your time here, by the way, because if you only have one day, it would really be too much of a hassle to go all the way to Charlotte then come all the way back.

Lola

Asheville, even if you don't go to the Biltmore, the area is beautiful.

beachbarbie

If you are going to Asheville, there is a great restaurant downtown called Salsas. It is a little hole in the wall place, quite reasonable with great food. The only way I can describe the cuisine is Caribbean/Mexican fusion.
Have a great time!
Barb

andy

Definitely ASHEVILLE- no need to drive 2 hrs to Charlotte to be in a large city , hard to find your way around , and full of good shopping and malls...

Ashevelle is much more quaint, has terrific shopping also, with great little restaurants...

I used to live in Charlotte and LOVED going to Asheville..and still do...

However, if you get bored with Asheville, you can drive into the mountains and do to the Penland School of the Arts and see artisans in their own element creating awesome art...it is only about 1/2 hr from Asheville..

Kikikim

Thank you for all the wonderful ideas. We got the tickets to Biltmore, and will be eating at Salsas.

Heartburn3

The Folk Art center on the Blue Ridge Parkway heading east from Asheville is really great to see, too. You might want to check it out if you have time, it's very close to the Parkway entrance, only a few miles away, and they have folk art exhibits and local gifts for sale. It doesn't take long to see it, either! I never miss it when I'm in the area. They always have a different display upstairs each time I go. It will also give you a chance to see some of the Parkway and its beauty!

Ohhhhhh, now I want to go to North Carolina mountains!! You can tell the people responding to your message are compassionate about the area.... that's what it does to you!